One of China's four biggest cave complexes, the Maijishan Grottoes rank as an iconic cultural landmark and a treasure trove of art. This 1,600-year-old scenic spot was carved into the caves of an isolated mountain peak along the ancient Silk Road in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu. It was first built in the Later Qin period (384-417), and then developed over more than ten successive dynasties including the Northern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing. Renowned for its exquisite clay figurines, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014.

A panoramic view of the Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu /CFP